Looking for a Squarespace website designer for your coaching or service business?
As an experienced designer for over 5 years, I’ve compiled my top 7 tips to help you find the right fit. With insights on designers’ pricing, packages, portfolios, and more, this guide will simplify your hiring process. I’m confident these key factors will assist your decision-making as you search for a designer to create your ideal Squarespace website.
01. Audience and portfolio
Understanding the clientele a designer primarily caters to is crucial information, usually available on their homepage or services page. Consider this factor attentively.
For instance, if you’re a photographer exploring a designer predominantly focused on e-commerce fashion brands, it might not be the most suitable match. Designers often specialize to better comprehend the intricacies of specific industries and cater to their unique requirements.
While adhering to this guideline can be beneficial, there are exceptions. Personally, I specialize in collaborating with female coaches and creatives, as highlighted on my homepage and portfolio. However, my experience extends to crafting websites for law firms, private equity companies, and working with male clients. I choose to showcase specific clients to attract a particular demographic but remain open to diverse projects.
Transitioning to the next point regarding a designer’s portfolio – take note of their style. Does it resonate with your preferences? Typically, a designer’s work exhibits a consistent theme.
If you don’t immediately find a perfect match, don’t dismiss the designer. Initiate a conversation, sharing your ideas through a Pinterest board or references from other websites. Most designers operate transparently and will communicate whether they can bring your vision to life.
I’ve navigated styles ranging from extreme minimalism to designs with “mystical and magical” aesthetics. If you appreciate the designer’s overall approach, engage in an open dialogue about your unique vision.
02. Aesthetics
The instant you land on a website, your preferences kick in – an immediate decision based on what appeals to you. This instinctive reaction extends to various aspects of visual stimuli, be it an advertisement on a passing bus. Take a moment to absorb the details: the brand colors, the use of color, font readability, and the ease of grasping the advertised message at a glance.
Consider the deliberate choices behind brand colors. Colors have a profound impact on mood and behavior, a concept explored in the evolving field of Color Psychology. Think about red evoking passion and love, black adding an air of mystery, or orange radiating warmth and kindness. Take a glance at local insurance companies, and you might notice a prevalence of blue, strategically chosen for its associations with hope, wisdom, and peace.
Another intriguing aspect is the symbolism behind logos. A circular logo often represents unity, community, and love. Observing the prevalence of circular logos reveals a purposeful design choice, as is the case with my own logo.
Reflecting on the advice of an old graphic design teacher, the significance of these design elements has stuck with me over time. It’s intriguing how a simple circle or a specific font choice can convey profound meanings. This understanding extends to your Squarespace website designer, who plays a crucial role in translating your business’s brand and message visually.
Even if you’re uncertain about the aesthetic you want for your business, a skilled Squarespace website designer will guide you through the process, working collaboratively to bring your brand to life and communicate your message effectively.
03. Timeline
Timing holds significant importance as preferences vary among individuals. While some business owners are comfortable waiting for two months for a website, for others, this duration is akin to a nightmare.
In my case, I follow a two-week website design process. Many clients appreciate the swift turnaround, but it necessitates their active involvement throughout most of that period.
Consider the following factors:
- If you prefer contemplating decisions without feeling rushed, don’t mind projects spanning 4-8 weeks due to a busy schedule, and aren’t in a hurry to launch a new website, a longer-term design process may suit you.
- If you can make decisions swiftly, assessing preferences within minutes, and appreciate quick project turnarounds for outsourced tasks, then a one or two-week website design process might be more aligned with your preferences.
Additionally, some Squarespace or Show it website designers offer VIP days, completing a full 5-7 page website within just two days. This option provides an even quicker solution for those seeking an expedited website development process.
04. Google Reviews & Testimonials
Examine the designer’s reviews and testimonials to gain insights into the experiences of previous clients. Evaluating what past clients have to say about their collaboration can be instrumental in forming an opinion about the designer’s reliability and the quality of their work. Positive reviews often serve as a strong indicator, suggesting that the designer consistently meets or exceeds client expectations, demonstrating a track record of reliability and delivering high-quality results.
By taking the time to review testimonials, you can gauge the satisfaction levels of others who have engaged the designer’s services, helping you make a more informed decision about whether they align with your specific needs and expectations. This thorough examination of reviews contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the designer’s reputation, providing valuable insights into the potential success of your collaboration and the overall satisfaction you can anticipate from their services.
05. Number of websites completed
The quantity of websites a designer has constructed doesn’t consistently reflect their skill level. While some designers may have created numerous websites, the quality of their work may not necessarily align with their experience.
In certain cases, I’ve encountered subpar work from designers who have a substantial portfolio. However, it’s generally true that a designer’s skill set evolves over time with the accumulation of projects. Experience tends to contribute not only to improved design proficiency but also a deeper understanding of the chosen platform and its functionalities.
Personally, I can attest to the transformation in my design sensibility since I embarked on designing Squarespace websites approximately three years ago. The journey has allowed me to enhance not only my design capabilities but also gain a comprehensive understanding of the platform and its diverse capabilities. It reinforces the notion that quality and expertise often develop in tandem with a designer’s experience and the diverse projects they undertake.
06. Responsive Design
It’s crucial for your new website to offer a seamless viewing experience, whether accessed on a 24-inch computer or a mobile device. A proficient website designer should prioritize mobile-friendliness during the design process. While it’s common to envision a website primarily for desktop, it’s essential not to overlook its appearance and functionality on mobile devices. Confirm that your designer incorporates mobile responsiveness into their plan to guarantee an optimal user experience across various devices.
This approach ensures that your website not only looks appealing on desktop but also adapts seamlessly to the constraints and requirements of mobile interfaces, catering to a diverse audience and enhancing overall accessibility.
07. CSS knowledge
While not deemed a “must-have” proficiency, I would recommend that when seeking a Squarespace website designer, it can be advantageous to find someone with some degree of experience in CSS.
In the early stages of my design career, I managed to make do by improvising with insights gathered from free blog posts. However, recognizing the value of enhancing my skills, I have since enrolled in two distinct Squarespace CSS courses, significantly elevating my knowledge and capabilities.
As I integrate more customized pages into my clients’ websites, I find myself more assured in adjusting my pricing. This is particularly relevant because of the misconception that all Squarespace websites share a similar appearance (which, incidentally, is not accurate). Additionally, refining the mobile version of a site can be challenging. Thus, investing in a designer with the capacity to make subtle tweaks for a personalized look and feel can substantially enhance the uniqueness and appeal of your website.
08. Additional Services
Evaluate whether the designer provides supplementary services like search engine optimization (SEO), copywriting, or website maintenance. Incorporating these services can prove beneficial in securing the long-term success of your website.
Is Squarespace the right platform for you
Your website designer should prioritize your needs and guide you toward a platform that aligns with your specific requirements, rather than trying to force a solution that suits their preferences. For instance, if your goal is to establish a global ecommerce brand, I would honestly suggest seeking out a skilled Shopify website designer for optimal results.
In case you find yourself immersed in the complexities of business management, brand building, or simply lack the time to grapple with a platform that induces frustration, I can provide assistance. I particularly favor Squarespace for my clients due to several reasons:
- All Squarespace plans feature fully managed cloud hosting, ensuring constant website availability.
- There are no ongoing plugin and theme updates that consume valuable time.
- The drag-and-drop editor simplifies the process of updating your site, making it a hassle-free experience.
- Squarespace’s customer support team is exceptional, available 24/7 for any questions that may arise down the line.
As you embark on the journey of finding a new website designer, I hope this information proves beneficial. If you’re seeking guidance through a website build, I would be delighted to be that person. Feel free to reach out at any time to discuss your project further. Best of luck with your web designer search!
By considering these factors while recruiting a Squarespace designer, you can enhance the likelihood of discovering the suitable individual for the position and attaining a successful outcome for your project.